1.Study on Reducing Hepatotoxicity and Retaining Anti-osteoporosis Activity of Psoraleae Fructus Though Salt Processing Based on Zebrafish
Yiqi LIU ; Xuan WANG ; Qiqi FAN ; Zehua CHANG ; Shuo FAN ; Na WANG ; Zheng LI ; Xinfang XU ; Chongjun ZHAO ; Xiangri LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):79-90
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of salt processing of Psoraleae Fructus (PF) through modern analytical techniques and biotechnology, focusing on its effects related to hepatotoxicity and anti-osteoporosis activity. MethodsThe zebrafish model was utilized to evaluate the impact of PF and salt-processed Psoraleae Fructus (SPF) on the hepatotoxicity (using 134.17 , 178.89, 268.34 mg·L-1 as low, medium, and high dose groups of PF, 135.04, 180.06, 270.08 mg·L-1 as low, medium, and high dose groups of SPF, respectively) and anti-osteoporotic activity (using 33.54 , 67.08 and 134.17 mg·L-1 as low, medium, and high dose groups of PF, 33.76, 67.52, 135.04 mg·L-1 as low, medium, and high dose groups of SPF, respectively), which was using alizarin red skull staining of zebrafish as an indicator of different batches of PF. The specific dosage of a batch of PF was taken as an example. Then ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) analysis was employed to identify the chemical composition of PF before and after salt processing, and PCA, OPLS-DA, and independent sample t-test were used to elucidating the compositional changes associated with the effects of salt processing on hepatotoxicity and anti-osteoporosis activity. ResultsUnder specific conditions, PF induced notable hepatotoxicity in zebrafish while simultaneously demonstrating protective effect against prednisolone-induced osteoporosis. In comparison to PF, SPF showed alleviated hepatotoxicity while retaining significant anti-osteoporosis activity. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis revealed that after salt processing, the overall chemical composition of PF showed a downward trend, with 69 components showing a decrease in content, represented by psoralen, and 13 components showing an increase, represented by 4′-O-methyl psoralen B. Further multivariate statistical analysis revealed 11 key differential components before and after salt processing of PF, including psoralen and bakuchiol. ConclusionSalt processing effectively diminishes hepatotoxicity without impairing therapeutic efficacy against osteoporosis of PF, which may be related to the compositional changes before and after salt processing of PF and provides key evidence to reveal the scientific significance of salt processing of PF.
2.Whole-genome sequencing analysis of co-existing bacteria in platelet products: genomic features and biological implications
Qiqi WANG ; Yuwei ZHAO ; Xue CHEN ; Zhan GAO ; Miao HE
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(3):305-316
Objective: To establish a rapid, accurate, and decentralized workflow for bacterial whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and risk profiling within the shelf-life of platelet concentrates, and to characterize the species, virulence, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and immune evasion mechanisms of co-existing bacteria in qualified platelet products, thereby providing a scientific basis for transfusion safety assessment. Methods: Three units of platelet concentrates, which tested negative by routine bacterial screening, were collected from the Chengdu Blood Center between May and June 2025. Samples were enriched at 37℃under six aerobic and nine anaerobic conditions for 7 days. Using a culturomics strategy, aliquots were plated for isolation on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 to obtain cultivable isolates, with negative culture controls included to exclude contamination. High-molecular-weight genomic DNA was extracted via mechanical grinding, purified, and size-selected. Sequencing libraries were constructed and sequenced on the G-seq500 single-molecule nanopore sequencing platform. Genomes were assembled using Flye and polished with NextPolish, with quality evaluated by BUSCO and CheckM. Taxonomic identification was performed using GTDB-Tk. Functional annotation and database comparisons were conducted to analyze virulence factors, AMR genes, and genes related to immune evasion and environmental adaptation. Results: Viable bacteria were successfully isolated from all three qualified platelet units within their shelf life. The isolates were identified as Bacillus albus, Niallia taxi, and Staphylococcus warneri. Nanopore sequencing generated 92 227-109 813 reads (totaling 680-758 Mb) with an N50 of 7 625-8 584 bp and Q20/Q30 scores of 97%/93%, respectively. All three genomes were assembled into complete circular chromosomes with 1-3 plasmids, achieving >93% completeness. Functional analysis revealed that B. albus carried multiple hemolysins, metalloproteases, and multidrug resistance genes, indicating the highest potential pathogenicity and AMR risk. S. warneri exhibited a typical multidrug resistance profile and regulatory network characteristic of coagulase-negative staphylococci, suggesting intermediate virulence. N. taxi harbored few canonical virulence factors and lacked functional AMR determinants, presenting a "low-virulence, low-resistance" profile. Notably, all three strains were enriched in genes encoding antimicrobial peptide resistance systems (e.g., dltABCD, mprF, GraRS, BceAB) and antioxidant enzymes, suggesting a strong capacity to withstand immune stress in the blood environment. Conclusion: Viable bacteria can be recovered from qualified platelet concentrates that test negative by routine screening. Nanopore WGS enables rapid strain-level identification and comprehensive risk profiling of virulence, resistance, and immune adaptation traits. The functional repertoires of these "co-existing" isolates range from environmental adaptation to potential pathogenicity, representing an underappreciated risk for transfusion-transmitted infections in susceptible recipients.
3.Clinical characteristics analysis of secondary systemic capillary leak syndrome induced by acute organophosphorus pesticide poisoning
Yihong YANG ; Tengfei MA ; Qiqi LIU ; Hongbo LIU ; Xian WANG ; Yecheng LIU
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2025;34(4):582-587
Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with secondary systemic capillary leak syndrome (SSCLS) induced by acute organophosphorus pesticide poisoning (AOPP). The goal is to enhance clinical understanding of this complication and provide a theoretical foundation for the early identification of high-risk patients and the optimization of individualized treatment strategies.Methods:Clinical data were collected from patients admitted to the Emergency Department of Fuyang People’s Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University between October 2019 and October 2024, who were diagnosed with acute dichlorvos poisoning. The clinical features of SSCLS were described, and patients were categorized into SSCLS and non-SSCLS groups. Binary multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted on statistically significant indicators to identify independent risk factors for SSCLS. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to evaluate the predictive value of these factors.Results:Among the 96 patients studied, 37 (38.5%) developed SSCLS. The median time from toxin ingestion to the onset of SSCLS was 3.0 (2.0-5.0) hours. In the 14 SSCLS survivors, the median duration of SSCLS was 50.0 (24-72) hours, whereas in the 23 non-survivors, it was 24.0 (12.0-35.0) hours. The mortality rate in the SSCLS group (62.16%, 23/37) was significantly higher than that in the non-SSCLS group (1.69%, 1/59) ( χ2=44.343, P<0.001). Blood toxin analysis detected trichlorfon components in 92 patients (95.83%). Binary multivariate logistic regression identified APACHE Ⅱ score and trichlorfon concentration (≥706.35 ng/mL) as independent risk factors for SSCLS ( P<0.05). ROC analysis revealed that the combination of these two factors had a higher predictive value ( P<0.05). Conclusions:In the diagnosis and treatment of acute dichlorvos (organophosphorus pesticide) poisoning, particular attention should be given to the combined toxic effects of dichlorvos and trichlorfon, which can lead to SSCLS. The onset and progression of SSCLS are rapid, and the condition is associated with a high mortality rate. Both APACHE Ⅱ scores and trichlorfon concentrations (≥706.35 ng/mL) are independent risk factors for the development of SSCLS, and their combined use enhances predictive accuracy. Early identification of high-risk patients and timely administration of individualized treatment are critical for reducing mortality rates. This revised abstract maintains the original meaning while improving clarity, flow, and readability. It ensures that the key points are presented in a structured and professional manner, suitable for a clinical audience.
4.Research Status and Clinical Application Progress of Peptide Drugs
Qiqi PEI ; Qian CHEN ; Hanying WANG ; Li TIAN ; Guizhu FENG
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(11):148-159
With the increasing difficulty of traditional chemical drug research and development,peptide drugs have gradually become a hot spot in drug research and development due to their advantages of high specificity,significant efficacy,easy metabolism and low toxicity.This review systematically expounds the physicochemical properties,main advantages and limitations of peptide drugs,and summarizes the currently common strategies for structural modification and delivery.It focuses on the application and target of approved peptide drugs in various diseases such as diabetes,cancer,bacterial and viral infections,multiple sclerosis,and osteoporosis.Furthermore,the research analyzes the challenges in the research and development of peptide drugs,including poor in vivo stability,low bioavailability,and limited routes of administration.It also discusses the prospects of new technologies based on molecular modification,nanodelivery systems,and computer-aided design.In summary,peptide drugs have shown unique advantages in multi-field therapy,but they still need to break through bottlenecks in preparation,delivery and drug resistance to provide new ideas and directions for future precision therapy.
5.Clinical application of surface electromyography in respiratory function evaluation of stroke patients with hemiplegia during recovery period
Xiumin WANG ; Kai CHEN ; Qiqi LIU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine 2025;40(4):574-580
Objective:To evaluate respiratory muscle function before and after respiratory function training using surface electromyography(sEMG)in stroke patients with hemiplegia during recovery period.Method:Forty stroke patients with hemiplegia in the recovery phase were randomly divided into an observa-tion group and a control group,with 20 patients in each group.The control group was given routine rehabilita-tion treatment,while the observation group was given routine rehabilitation treatment combined with respirato-ry function training.Root Mean Square value(RMS)of respiratory muscle surface electromyography,pulmo-nary function indicators such as forced vital capacity(FVC),the forced expiratory volume in 1 second(FEV1),peak expiratory flow rate(PEF),and Fugl-Meyer Motor Scale(FMMS),Berg Balance Scale(BBS)were evaluated before and after 4 weeks of treatment in both groups.Result:After 4 weeks of treatment,the RMS of bilateral sternocleidomastoid muscles,parasternal external in-tercostal muscles,and diaphragmatic muscles,pulmonary function indicators including FVC,FEV1,PEF,FMMS and BBS in both groups were significantly improved(P<0.05),and the scores of all indicators in the observation group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).The correlation analysis showed that there was a certain correlation between the RMS of respiration muscles and indicators of pulmonary function,FMMS,BBS respectively in two groups after treatment(P<0.05);the correlation between the RMS of respira-tion muscles and indicators of pulmonary function,FMMS,BBS in the observation group(r>0.5,P<0.05)was higher than that in the control group(r<0.5,P<0.05).Conclusion:Respiratory function training can significantly improve pulmonary function in stroke patients with hemiplegia during recovery period.Surface electromyography can be used to evaluate the respiratory muscle contraction function in stroke patients with hemiplegia.
6.Research progress of Pinellia ternata and its active ingredients in car-diovascular diseases
Min SONG ; Tingting DIAO ; Yichao WANG ; Luyi LIU ; Qiqi QI ; Jingjing BI ; Nailiang ZHU ; Xinrong QIAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2025;30(2):251-264
Cardiovascular diseases(CVD)are chronic disease with high morbidity and mortality in the world.Pinellia ternatais a traditional Chi-nese medicinal herb and has the effects on drying dampness,resolving phlegm,lowering symptoms,stopping vomiting and relieving swelling.In recent years,researches showed that Pinellia ternataand its active ingredients(β-sitosterol,baicalin,baica-lein,quercetin)had significant effects in the treat-ment of cardiovascular diseases.This review sum-marized and analyzed the role and mechanism of Pinellia ternata and its active ingredients in cardio-vascular diseases,which provided a theoretical ba-sis for its clinical application.
7.Efficacy of voriconazole in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis based on CYP2C19 gene polymorphism detection and the factors affecting the efficacy
Yonggang CHEN ; Mingli YU ; Ji LUO ; Wenlin ZHANG ; Jintang HE ; Qiqi XIAO ; Junlong WANG ; Jiangli PENG
Chinese Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy 2025;25(2):132-139
Objective To investigate the efficacy of voriconazole in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis(CPA)based on CYP2C19 gene polymorphism detection and examine the factors affecting the efficacy for improving targeted therapy in clinical practice.Methods A total of 207 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with CPA treated in the Third People's Hospital of Kunming from December 2018 to November 2022 were randomly assigned to an observation group(105 cases)or a control group(102 cases).The patients in the control group received standard voriconazole treatment,while the patients in the observation group had their voriconazole regimen tailored based on CYP2C19 genotyping results.Plasma drug concentration levels,efficacy,and safety were compared between the two groups and in terms of CYP2C19 genotypes.Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors affecting treatment efficacy.Results The observation group showed significantly higher plasma voriconazole concentrations and overall antifungal efficacy compared to the control group(P<0.05).In the observation group,CYP2C19 genotyping identified 37 extensive metabolizers(EM),47 intermediate metabolizers(IM),and 21 poor metabolizers(PM).Plasma concentration of voriconazole did not show significant difference between EM and IM(P>0.05),but both PM and IM were associated with significantly lower plasma concentration of voriconazole than PM(P<0.05).The clinical efficacy rate was 100%for PM,91.5%for IM,and 83.8%for EM(P<0.05).The incidence of adverse events did not show significant difference among the three genotypes(P>0.05).Logistic regression analysis revealed that lung cavitation,hypoalbuminemia,and agranulosis were significantly correlated with therapeutic efficacy(P<0.05).Conclusions CYP2C19 gene polymorphism detection is valuable in clinical practice.It can inform anti-aspergillus therapy with voriconazole to effectively improve symptoms and clinical efficacy in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with CPA.Meanwhile,clinicians should be aware of the factors such as hypoproteinemia,agranulocytosis,and lung cavitation that may affect the efficacy of voriconazole.
8.Application of machine learning algorithms in predicting new onset hypertension: a study based on the China Health and Nutrition Survey.
Manhui ZHANG ; Xian XIA ; Qiqi WANG ; Yue PAN ; Guanyi ZHANG ; Zhigang WANG
Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;30():3-3
BACKGROUND:
Hypertension is a serious chronic disease that can significantly lead to various cardiovascular diseases, affecting vital organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys. Our goal is to predict the risk of new onset hypertension using machine learning algorithms and identify the characteristics of patients with new onset hypertension.
METHODS:
We analyzed data from the 2011 China Health and Nutrition Survey cohort of individuals who were not hypertensive at baseline and had follow-up results available for prediction by 2015. We tested and evaluated the performance of four traditional machine learning algorithms commonly used in epidemiological studies: Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machine, XGBoost, LightGBM, and two deep learning algorithms: TabNet and AMFormer model. We modeled using 16 and 29 features, respectively. SHAP values were applied to select key features associated with new onset hypertension.
RESULTS:
A total of 4,982 participants were included in the analysis, of whom 1,017 developed hypertension during the 4-year follow-up. Among the 16-feature models, Logistic Regression had the highest AUC of 0.784(0.775∼0.806). In the 29-feature prediction models, AMFormer performed the best with an AUC of 0.802(0.795∼0.820), and also scored the highest in MCC (0.417, 95%CI: 0.400∼0.434) and F1 (0.503, 95%CI: 0.484∼0.505) metrics, demonstrating superior overall performance compared to the other models. Additionally, key features selected based on the AMFormer, such as age, province, waist circumference, urban or rural location, education level, employment status, weight, WHR, and BMI, played significant roles.
CONCLUSION
We used the AMFormer model for the first time in predicting new onset hypertension and achieved the best results among the six algorithms tested. Key features associated with new onset hypertension can be determined through this algorithm. The practice of machine learning algorithms can further enhance the predictive efficacy of diseases and identify risk factors for diseases.
Humans
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China/epidemiology*
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Hypertension/diagnosis*
;
Machine Learning
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Male
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Female
;
Middle Aged
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Adult
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Nutrition Surveys
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Algorithms
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Aged
;
Risk Factors
9.Research progress in the regulation of allergic rhinitis pathogenesis by the NRF2 pathway.
Qiqi LI ; Yunfang AN ; Tingting LI ; Jianjun ZHOU ; Weihua WANG
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(8):775-780
In recent years,with the increase in environmental pollution,organisms are exposed to more internal and external oxidative stress factors than ever before.Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2,NRF2),as a core transcription factor in response to oxidative stress,maintains cellular redox homeostasis by inducing the expression of various antioxidant factors.The nasal cavity,as the "gateway" of the respiratory tract,is often accompanied by oxidative stress(oxidative stress,OS)damage,leading to the occurrence of allergic rhinitis(allergic rhinitis,AR).Recent studies have revealed some associations between the NRF2 signaling pathway and the mechanism of AR development.Activation of NRF2 provides a potential protective effect against AR,and some natural NRF2 activators have shown therapeutic potential in clinical experiments.Therefore,this article briefly reviews the relationship between NRF2 and AR,aiming to provide a new therapeutic target and perspective for the treatment of AR.
NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism*
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Humans
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Rhinitis, Allergic/metabolism*
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Signal Transduction
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Oxidative Stress
10.Spermidine inactivates proteasome activity and enhances ferroptosis in prostate cancer.
Dan FENG ; Jian ZHANG ; Huanmin NIU ; Xiaoxue ZHENG ; Mengqi JIA ; Qiqi LU ; Jing WANG ; Wenxue GUO ; Qi SUN ; Huiqing YUAN ; Hongxiang LOU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(4):2095-2113
The elevated polyamines, amine-rich molecules with diverse functions in pathophysiology processes, are implicated in contributing to tumorigenesis and progression. Whether and how they affect the efficacy of chemotherapy is incompletely understood. Our screening assays reveal that the supplement with a low dose of spermidine (Spd), one of the polyamines, enhances ferroptosis in prostate cancer cells as evidenced by increased lipid peroxidation and intracellular Fe2+ levels in vitro. Combination treatment with Spd and a low dose of ferroptosis inducer erastin synergistically augments anti-tumor efficacy with undetectable toxicity in mice. Analysis of RNA-seq data indicates that heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1), an enzyme that catalyzes the cleavage of heme to release Fe2+, is significantly upregulated in response to Spd and erastin cotreatment. Spd mediated the hypusine modification of the eukaryotic initiation factor 5A (EIF5A) promotes the translation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), subsequently leading to elevation of HMOX1. Moreover, Spd and erastin significantly inhibit proteasome activity which results in a decrease in proteasomal degradation of NRF2, although many proteasome-related genes are induced either by Spd or Spd plus erastin. Thus, in addition to its pro-oncogenic activity, the supplement of Spd improves antitumor activity in combination with ferroptosis inducers and offers an optional approach to cancer treatment.

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